Studios › Frontier Developments › Lead Designer

Lead Designer

Frontier Developments · Cambridge, United Kingdom · Lead · Design · Posted 2026-04-28 · Full Time

About this role

Frontier is an independent video game developer and publisher, crafting immersive gaming experiences with fun gameplay and unparalleled artistic quality. Renowned for its iconic creative management simulation games, Frontier captivates players worldwide with immersive and authentic game worlds. The modern studio is located in the vibrant technology hub of Cambridge (UK). The talented team at Frontier are dedicated to nurturing our existing portfolio and delivering our exciting future roadmap.

This role is offered on a full in-studio basis or a hybrid basis (minimum 3 days per week in the studio). We can provide a comprehensive relocation support package as part of any offer, should you need to relocate.

WHAT'S THE ROLE?

We are looking for a Principal Game Designer to join our Design team. In this role, you will either act as the lead designer on a project, or support project leadership. You will be responsible for driving the game vision and translating it into compelling, high-quality game experiences.

Principal Designers at Frontier are experts at their craft and manage major feature areas on a project, mentor and inspire the wider design team, and create exemplar design work.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Taking ownership of design for major feature areas, or where required leading design across the entire project.

Working with the Game Director to deliver on the game’s vision.

Providing line-management for design team members, developing their careers, and making the most of their capabilities.

Managing project risks, and identifying blockers and inefficiencies.

Driving quality using playtests, player feedback, QA reporting, and your own insights.

Designing game features, creating in-game content and balancing game systems.

Collaborating closely with other development disciplines to build understanding and gain alignment throughout development.

Managing game design documentation & communication across the team.

Working with Production to ensure effective feature prioritisation and work scheduling.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Deep game knowledge across a range of genres, especially management and simulation games.

Commercial game design experience in a senior role.

Experience of designing and delivering major game features.

Experience of managing and motivating teams.

Strong understanding of player psychology.

Excellent presentation skills, and experience in presenting your ideas to stakeholders both within and outside the project.

Knowledge of a variety of game design theories and methods.

Ability to clearly communicate your ideas across a variety of media.

BONUS IF YOU HAVE

Experience working on management games.

Knowledge of UX/UI design principles.

Experience of supporting and growing live games.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

You will work with talented and passionate people to support, develop or publish our sophisticated and enduring games, in a creative, collaborative and inclusive environment. We love what we do, and we work hard to provide outstanding experiences for our players.

Wellbeing is a big focus at Frontier, and we are continually evolving how we can support our people. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and provide a range of wellbeing activities, initiatives and sessions to support both mental and physical health.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a success-based annual bonus, share option schemes, life assurance, private family healthcare, flexitime working hours, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, in-house subsidised catering, support with relocation, a Cycle to Work scheme, free bike servicing, and social activities and events.

We strive to create an environment where everyone can fully demonstrate their capability and potential. If you therefore need any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition representative.

For queries, please email: recruitment@frontier.co.uk

Apply on studio site →

Similar open roles

Title	Company	Location	Posted
Senior Technical Designer	Sumo Digital	Leeds - Red Kite Games, United Kingdom	2026-09-10
Senior Level Designer	Sumo Digital	Leeds - Red Kite Games, United Kingdom	2026-09-10
Senior UI/UX Designer	Kinetic Games	Southampton, United Kingdom	2026-08-03
Senior Game Designer	Kinetic Games	Southampton, United Kingdom	2026-08-03
Senior Game Designer	Playground Games	Leamington Spa, United Kingdom	2026-08-03
Game Designer	Playground Games	Leamington Spa, United Kingdom	2026-08-03
Senior Live Ops Designer - EA Sports	Electronic Arts	Birmingham, United Kingdom	2026-06-12
Senior Product Designer	Nexus Mods	United Kingdom	2026-05-15